MEGHAN MARKLE and Prince Harry are set to embark on their landmark tour of Commonwealth nations in Oceania in the coming days, but critics have already raised concerns that the Royal duo threaten to jeopardise a critical political election.

The Royal couple are set to embark on a 16-day tour of Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji, arriving in Sydney on Monday October 15 ahead of the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games in support of wounded servicemen and women.

The couple’s imminent visit to Fiji has nevertheless caused concern among political commentators, who have warned it could interfere in the country’s general election, which will take place within 20 days of the couple’s visit.

Robin Nair, Fiji’s former foreign affairs permanent secretary, told ABC: “The perception is, of course, that the Fijian government will take full advantage of the visit.

“Fijians love the Royals, and the government knows that there will be great euphoria and joy created by the visit.”

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The perception is, of course, that the Fijian government will take full advantage of the visit

Robin Nair

The former official lambasted the British High Commission in the country’s capital Suva for not delaying the visit.

He said: “I would have thought the British High Commission in Suva would have advised the Commonwealth office in London about the forthcoming elections and the environment in which the elections are taking place.

“It’s not the right timing.”

Mr Nair’s concerns were echoed by Shailendra G Raju, a government critic and aide to two former prime ministers, who also called on the visit to be “postponed to a mutually convenient and more appropriate time”.

Meghan and Harry's visit to Fiji has been criticised due to its proximity to the country's elections (Image: GETTY)

Meghan and Harry will spend two days on Fiji during their tour of Oceania (Image: GETTY)

Mr Nair and Mr Raju’s concerns were nevertheless rejected by the British High Commission, which insisted that the Royal couple’s visit will remain apolitical.

A spokesman for the High Commission said: “Their programme will be non-political and support bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Given that Their Royal Highnesses are visiting Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga next month, it makes sense for a visit to Fiji to take place at the same time.”

Associate Professor Giselle Bastin from Flinders University in Australia also noted that members of the British Royal Family typically meet with leaders from varying political parties while undertaking Royal tours.